Help Luke Ride Forward With Independence and Dignity
For Luke Criado, independence no longer comes from walking. It comes from his power wheelchair.
Twelve-year-old Luke lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and has been full-time in his power wheelchair for the past three years. His chair gives him freedom, confidence, and control over his daily life – but only when he can access it.
Duchenne is a progressive neuromuscular disorder causing a lack of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function.
Because the Criado family does not have a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, Luke’s power chair must stay at school during the week. Every afternoon, when Luke comes home, he has to leave behind the very thing that allows him to move freely. At home and on weekends, he relies on a transport chair and constant assistance from his parents, losing the independence that means so much to him.
As Luke has grown taller and heavier, lifting and transferring him into non-accessible vehicles has become increasingly unsafe. Each outing requires physical lifting that puts Luke at risk of injury and places enormous strain on his parents. What was once difficult is now approaching impossible.
Despite these challenges, Luke is full of joy and personality. He loves being outside, exploring the city of San Antonio, attending festivals, and soaking in the culture around him. A true foodie, Luke enjoys restaurant hopping with his family, cheering on his favorite teams, and expressing himself through art, karaoke, anime, and music. He’s known for his humor, kindness, and a smile that lights up every room.
An accessible vehicle would transform Luke’s life. It would allow him to remain in his power chair during transportation, eliminating dangerous transfers and giving him independence every single day, not just at school. At home, Luke would once again be able to move freely, help care for his dog, complete small chores, and feel like an active participant in his own life.
For the Criado family, this vehicle is about safety, dignity, and inclusion. It’s about ensuring Luke can grow into adolescence and adulthood with the freedom he deserves and without his parents risking injury just to take him to school, appointments, or family outings.
As participants in Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund branch of the Jett Giving Fund, the Criado family will aim to raise half or more of the amount needed to purchase an accessible vehicle. Once their fundraising is completed, Jett Foundation purchases directly from the vendor and gifts the vehicle to the participant outright.
Your support helps Luke stay in the chair that gives him independence and helps his family move forward together, safely and fully included.
You can help Luke attain the freedom and independence he deserves by contributing toward his fundraising goal below!
All donations to Jett Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed under applicable law and is an unrestricted contribution to the Jett Giving Fund. The family is working to raise half the funds needed for their van or more; when they reach their goal, Jett Foundation will cover the remaining costs and coordinate purchase and delivery of the vehicle.
